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0 | Page Mill Creek Stewardship Rangers Final Report 2015 Prepared by: Adam Riggi, Mill Creek Crew Leader (GRCA) Edited by: Crystal Allan, Natural Heritage Supervisor (GRCA)
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Mill Creek Stewardship Rangers
Final Report 2015
Prepared by: Adam Riggi, Mill Creek Crew Leader (GRCA)
Edited by: Crystal Allan, Natural Heritage Supervisor (GRCA)
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Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3
Mill Creek Stewardship Ranger Crew of 2015 ......................................................................................... 4
2.0 Health & Safety Training .............................................................................................................. 5
GRCA Health and Safety Orientation ....................................................................................................... 5
First Aid, AED and CPR Awareness ........................................................................................................... 5
3.0 Work Sites ................................................................................................................................... 6
Lake’s Farm Property ............................................................................................................................... 6
Wozniak’s Farm Property ....................................................................................................................... 17
Bond Tract .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Beaver Dam Removals ........................................................................................................................... 19
Dufferin Pit Beaver Dam and Debris Removal ................................................................................... 19
Heritage Lake beaver dam ................................................................................................................. 22
Duscio Property ...................................................................................................................................... 23
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Work-day Collaboration ..................................... 24
4.0 Enrichment Opportunities ......................................................................................................... 25
Stream Side Lecture ............................................................................................................................... 25
Junior Camper Day ................................................................................................................................. 25
Electrofishing Demonstration ................................................................................................................ 27
Nestlé Water Plant Tour ........................................................................................................................ 28
Dufferin Tour .......................................................................................................................................... 28
CBM Aquaculture ................................................................................................................................... 29
5.0 Additional Activities .................................................................................................................. 30
Donated Lunches ................................................................................................................................... 30
Friends of Mill Creek BBQ ...................................................................................................................... 30
6.0 Rangers Comments .................................................................................................................... 31
7.0 Recommendations .................................................................................................................... 32
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Appendix 1: 2015 Ranger Crew Calendar ......................................................................................... 33
Appendix 2: Media Coverage ........................................................................................................... 35
Measuring a brown trout ....................................................................................................................... 36
Appendix 3: Equipment Inventory ................................................................................................... 38
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1.0 Introduction Mill Creek is a coldwater, low gradient stream that flows 30km across the southern Ontario landscape.
The creek’s headwaters originate north of the Village of Aberfoyle and flow southwest towards the City
of Cambridge eventually reaching its confluence with the Grand River. Mill Creek traverses through
some of Ontario’s richest gravel and sand deposits. Therefore, a large proportion of the creek's annual
discharge is generated by inputs of local groundwater.
The Mill Creek watershed is unique for several reasons. Most of the riparian corridor adjacent to the
creek and its many tributaries remains heavily forested. The dense canopy cover minimizes the amount
of solar radiation reaching the ground’s surface. This influences the degree to which the adjacent
recharge zones can retain and supply cold water to the creek. Mature trees along the bank also shade
the channel from solar radiation, thus preventing excess warming during the summer. Water
temperatures stay cold enough throughout the summer to maintain the required dissolved oxygen
concentrations needed to support brown and brook trout populations. Conversely groundwater
upwellings during the winter provide warmer water temperatures (relative to the air), which produce
favourable conditions for fish spawning and egg development.
The Friends of Mill Creek (FoMC), a community based organization initiated the Mill Creek restoration
effort in 1997 following the completion of the Mill Creek Subwatershed Study. The FoMC actively work
with private land owners within the watershed to gain access to the creek. In 2003, the FoMC founded
the Mill Creek Stewardship Ranger program - a group of four highschool summer students and a crew
leader responsible for carrying out environmental restoration projects within the watershed. Funding
for the program is donated by many generous companies and individuals within the Mill Creek
watershed.
Historically, highway construction, agriculture and different land use practices have played a role in
negatively altering the natural behaviour of the creek. Due to Mill Creek’s close proximity to growing
population centers, land use activities will continue to threaten the health of the creek. On-going
conservation of the surrounding forested wetlands coupled with stewardship ranger restoration
activities will be essential for future success conserving and enhancing this diverse ecosystem.
The 2015 ranger crew worked for a total of eight weeks (June 29th to August 21st) and were successful in
carrying out a number of environmental restoration projects. A detailed summary of this year’s work is
outlined in the following report.
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Mill Creek Stewardship Ranger Crew of 2015
Crew Leader: GRCA Support:
Adam Riggi: Cambridge resident Crystal Allan: Natural Heritage Supervisor
Robert Messier: Ecologist
Crew Members:
Drew Huggins: Guelph Resident
Mitch Walker: Cambridge Resident
Sam Neumann: Guelph Resident
Evan De Melo: Cambridge Resident
Photo 1 - Rangers from left to right; Drew Huggins, Adam Riggi, Mitch Walker, Sam Neumann and Evan De Melo
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2.0 Health & Safety Training The Rangers attended several presentations to inform and prepare them for the potential hazards of
the workplace.
GRCA Health and Safety Orientation
GRCA’s Natural Heritage Supervisor, Crystal Allan provided the Rangers with a half-day presentation
covering the organization’s commitment to a safe work place. A brief overview of the GRCA’s operations
was covered along with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System (WHMIS). Emphasis was placed on personal protective equipment, heat stress
symptoms, hazardous plants identification and concerns when working in and around water.
First Aid, AED and CPR Awareness
The Rangers attended a half-day First Aid training course held at GRCA’s corporate auditorium. An
instructor from Workplace Medical Corp taught the Rangers how to respond to emergency situations
using a variety of proper techniques. Upon the completion of the course, the Rangers were awarded a
one-year level C certificate.
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3.0 Work Sites A variety of tasks were accomplished at several locations across the Mill Creek subwatershed including
channel debris removal and modifications, habitat creation, and the removal of material restoration
materials, such as T-bars, that were no longer required to secure previous restoration efforts.
Lake’s Farm Property
This site has experienced a tremendous amount of restoration effort over the past decade. Prior to
Ranger restoration, a dam had been built downstream of the Lake's property for agricultural purposes.
During the course of the dam’s existence many of the stream's physical conditions were altered:
elevated water levels extended upstream and caused the channel to widen; flow velocities decreased
causing an increase in sediment deposition; and trees that were once growing above the water surface
became submerged resulting in a large number of trees falling into the streambed perpendicular to the
direction of flow.
The dam was removed in the early 1990’s, however many environmental impacts are still evident. The
large logs that remain in the streambed prevent the unobstructed flow of the stream. Logs that lay
perpendicular to the flow, force the stream outwards and redirects the channel’s energy. A wider
shallower channel contributes to the deposition of finer sediments and these finer sediments smother
gravel substrate which is vital habitat for fish and macrobenthic species. Altered flow regimes and
widened channels also impact natural meander patterns and reduce riffle and pool features. Riffles and
pools are vital components of the aquatic ecosystem because they represent the physical conditions
needed to support a diverse community of species. Since 2007, the Rangers have worked to remove the
large woody debris from the streambed and have re-arranged that material into strategic locations
providing new habitat and re-establishing a more natural meander pattern. Efforts at this property have
been successful in transitioning the stream back towards a more natural state.
This summer the Ranger crew spent a total of 12 days at the Lake's property, hiking 750m into the site,
with all their equipment. After inspecting last year’s work, the group was immediately tasked with
removing several logjams using hand saws, peavey poles and muscle to divide the woody material into
lengths that were suitable to move by hand. The crew was able to successfully remove the
impediments and used the woody material to create 5 large structures over the course of 90m. Once
built, the 5 structures were secured into place using a total of 50 earth anchors and 4 rolls of malleable
fencing wire weaved through the structures to prevent any future movement.
The Ranger’s were able to work quite efficiently and their progress exceeded expectations. The vast
majority of the crew’s summer was spent at this location and by the end of August the Rangers were
very skilled at building structures.
Modifications
It is difficult to predict the exact outcome of any restoration effort. Therefore, it is critical to assess work
from last year to make sure that the structures are still fulfilling their desired functions. Two structures
from last year needed to be modified.
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Modification # 1
The deflector seen in photo 2 was built to push the thalweg left of center looking upstream. It was
noticed that water was flowing around the base of the structure and supplying a channel behind the
deflector chosen to be cut off last year. Photo 3 demonstrates the Rangers’ work this year to combine
cedar foliage and logs to block off the flow to help stabilize the area and encourage the appropriate
deposition of sediment. (Red arrow indicates landmark)
Modification # 2
Since last year, the area behind the deflector in photo 4 experienced a great deal of sediment
accumulation. To encourage further sediment deposition in this area, a new structure was built (photo
5). It’s anticipated with time a more continuous stream bank will establish to maintain the narrowing
channel profile.
Photo 2 - Structure from last year Photo 3 - Structure after modification
Photo 4 - Structure from last year Photo 5 - Structure after modification
Before After
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New Structure #1
The first logjam cleared by the crew (Photo 6)
was located between structures 1 and 2. Most of
the logs had fallen perpendicular to the stream
and forced the channel to flow very wide. The
Rangers cleared all of the submerged logs, some
of which had diameters of greater than 30cm.
Once all of the debris was removed, the new
thalweg could be observed. The stream
immediately began to cut a narrower and
deeper channel profile making it easier to
distinguish the thalweg and an estimation of
where to position structure 1 could be made.
The sweeper structure was constructed to
protect the bank from erosion, to promote deposition of sediment and to provide habitat. Material was
used from the cleared logjam and cedar foliage was gathered to create the structure. After the
installation of structure 1, the crew noticed that the substrate adjacent to the structure had changed.
The once sandy and silty substrate was flushed downstream, uncovering the gravel substrate. The
Rangers also observed changes in water depth within the channel and a well-defined pool and riffle
section was observed upstream and downstream of the structure.
Photo 6 - Logjam removed by the rangers (numbers represent the
relative locations of where structures were built).
1
2
Before After
Before After
photo 7 location of structure 1
Photo 8 - Structure #1 completed
Photo 9- Upstream end of structure #1 Photo 10 - Upstream end of structure #1 completed
Photo 7 – Location of structure #1
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New Structure #2
Removing the first logjam resulted in significant changes upstream. The section of stream between
structures 1 & 2 narrowed dramatically (photos 11 and 12). The crew planned on constructing a
deflector upstream of structure 2 which would re-direct flow downstream. Anticipating an increase in
flow velocity, the Rangers built a sweeper structure to protect the stream bank from erosion (photo 13).
The active channel width was reduced by 50% and encouraged the transport of sediment downstream.
Initially most of the substrate in the work area was sandy and the channel depth was less than 15cm.
Within a week the channel depth deepened to approximately 70cm towards the upstream end of
structure 2 (photo 17).
1
2
2
Photo 11 - View looking upstream before logjam removal
Photo 12 - Channel response to removal of first logjam
Photo 13 - Full view of structure 2
Before
After
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Before and after photos of strucutre 2:
Before
Before
After
After
Photo 14 - Location of structure 2 before debris removal Photo 15 - Structure 2 completed
Photo 16 - Upstream end of structure 2
Photo 17 - Upstream end completed
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New Structure #3
A wide and braided channel is not the natural channel type for the reach of Mill Creek flowing through
the Lake’s property. Photo 18 is an example of how a blockage can disrupt the natural meander
pattern of a stream. Since there were two active channels present, the Ranger crew had to evaluate
which channel to block off. The Ranger Crew decided to direct the stream channel left of center (photo
18) by installing a deflector structure to block off the undesired channel.
By the time the crew had reached
the location for the construction
of structure 3, most of the woody
debris from the first logjam had
been incorporated into the first
two structures. The Rangers were
able to collect enough material
from the streambed and
surroundings to build a large
enough structure capable of
diverting the stream channel. The
large deflector structure re-
established a more natural
meander pattern and cut the
cross-sectional channel width by
50% (Photo 22). The thalweg
responded to the efforts and a
defined channel began to carve its
way towards structure 2.
Sediment has begun to
accumulate behind the base of
structure 3 and with time the area
should resemble a riparian area
and not an active channel.
Photo 18 - Braided channel looking downstream before restoration
3 2
Photo 19 - Channel forced to flow towards structure 2
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Before and after photos for structure 3:
Photo 20 - Right hand side of braided section looking downstream
Photo 21 - Structure 3 completed
Before
After
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Photo 22 - Natural meander pattern
3
2
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New Structures #4 & #5
With all of the downstream structures constructed and secured, the Rangers tackled another
formidable logjam (photo 23). They were able to remove the logjam in a single day during a joint work-
day with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Stewardship Rangers. Predicting which
way to divert the stream was made easier by consulting the downstream meander pattern already
established.
The Ranger crews built a deflector
and a sweeper structure; their
locations can be seen in Photo 24.
Structure 4 was a sweeper
structure built to help narrow the
channel and provide habitat.
Structure 5 was a deflector
structure aimed towards narrowing
and changing the direction of flow.
Structure 5 was challenging to
build for several reasons. The
stream was fairly deep so a
substantial amount of material was
used to effectively push the
channel towards structure 4.
Reduce the cross sectional channel width by
50%. The area behind structure 5 is no longer
part of the active channel and sediment has
already begun to accumulate (photo 30).
The substrate adjacent to structures 4 and 5
was slower to respond. However, by the end
of the summer almost all the sand had been
transported downstream and most of the
substrate found in the area was gravel. This
section exhibits one of the most well defined
pool and riffle sequences.
An electrofishing demonstration at the end of
August confirmed the value of the new
habitat created. The Ranger crew was able to
catch on camera a large brown trout jumping
away from structure 5 (photo 29).
Photo 23 - Logjam upstream of structure 3
5 4
Photo 24 – Locations of structure 4 and 5
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Before and after photos for structure 4:
Before
After
Photo 24 locations of structures 4 and 5
Photo 25 - Location of structure 4
Photo 26 - Structure 4 completed
photo 24 locations of structure 4 and 5
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Before and after photos for structure 5:
Before After
Photo 27 - Location of structure 5
Photo 28 - Structure 5 completed
Photo 29 - Electrofishing structure 5
Photo 25
Photo 30 - Sediment accumulation behind structure 5
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Wozniak’s Farm Property
The Mill Creek Stewardship Rangers were kindly invited back by the property’s owner and steward, as
she was quite happy with the work done by last year’s crew. Historically, McCrimmon Creek has been
negatively impacted by local landuse changes and development. The creek is a tributary to Mill Creek
and provides the system with many positive benefits. Like much of the watershed, McCrimmon Creek
flows through heavily forested wetlands which influence even colder water temperatures than Mill
Creek. Temperatures are cold enough to support a brook trout population throughout the summer.
Tributaries with brook trout are valuable because they can potentially be a local population source to
supply the main channel of Mill Creek with brook trout once conditions become favourable.
The first step at this property was to inspect the work done by last year’s crew and it was noted that
most of the woody debris installed last year had moved. This year’s objective was to improve the
location of the woody debris placed in the stream and secure it properly. This was accomplished by re-
positioning the material back into strategic locations that would provide habitat for the brook trout.
With permission, freestanding dead cedar trees, approximately 5cm in diameter, were cut to lengths of
roughly 75cm. Cedar stakes were driven into the ground in front of the newly placed debris in order to
prevent the logs from floating away. It took the crew 2 full days to modify the entire 350m of stream
that was cleared by last year's crew. Photos 31-34 demonstrate the modifications:
Photo 31 Photo 32
Before After
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Bond Tract
Even before the Mill Creek Stewardship Ranger Program had been founded, members of the GRCA were
carrying out Mill Creek restoration activities at the Bond Tract property. Prior to earth anchor
technology, it was common to use steel T-bars to secure deflector and sweeper structures. The T-bars at
this location had served their purpose and it was time for their removal. As the structures were now
established, there was no concern about them failing because most of the woody debris and sediment
deposition had naturalized. However many T-bars now stuck out of the water and posed a potential
hazard to anglers and hikers. The T-bars also looked very foreign within the landscape.
Photo 33 Photo 34
Before After
Photo 35 - Typical section of creek with T-bars Photo 36 - Rangers building a raft to transport T-bars
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Photo 37 - Rangers transporting T-bars downstream towards the truck
The rangers traversed 450m of stream and removed 135 T-bars by hand. Due to the weight and the long
distance back to the road, the crew improvised and decided to build a raft to float them out. Dry cedar
logs were cut from the surrounding forest and nailed together using large spikes. The raft was
approximately 1m x 2m and was able to successfully hold 200lbs of T-bars. In total it took 3 full days to
remove all the T-bars from the site.
Beaver Dam Removals
Dufferin Aggregate Pit and the Heritage Lake residential community were two additional properties
identified in the Rangers’ summer workplan. At both locations, beavers had built dams across the
entire Mill Creek channel resulting in the impoundment of water. Although beaver activity is a natural
phenomenon within the Mill Creek watershed, the dams had to be removed for monitoring purposes.
Flow gauges, temperature monitors and groundwater measuring devices are located in these areas in
order to collect data. Industry and regulatory bodies in the region rely on these data to quantify any
potential influences industries may be having on the environment. Beavers had raised the water level
approximately 80cm above the dams at both locations.
Dufferin Pit Beaver Dam and Debris Removal
It took 2 days to remove the dam completely. The first day 50% of the material was removed and the
crew had to make sure to do so evenly across the top of the dam to prevent a failure. A week later, the
Rangers returned when the water levels had dropped which allowed the removal of the remainder of
the dam. Most of the sticks were intricately woven together and it was quite difficult to dismantle. The
sticks were displaced up on shore away from the dam location so it would not be easy for a beaver to
resemble.
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Before and after photos for Dufferin beaver dam and debris removal:
Before After
Before After
Photo 38 - Beaver dam Photo 39 - Stream flowing freely after removal of beaver dam
Photo 40 - Water level surface with dam present Photo 41 - Water level surface with dam removed
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Debris removal and habitat improvements were also assessed downstream of the dam. A smaller debris
pile was dismantled and rearranged towards the right hand side of the stream. This allowed sediment to
be carried downstream and the new structure provided habitat.
Photo 43 - Debris pile removed, re-used to build structure to the right (in shadows)
Photo 42 - Debris pile downstream of the beaver dam
Before
After
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Heritage Lake beaver dam
It was a trek to find the location of the dam, but after a few bee stings and a swift jog, the Rangers were
able to locate it. The dam was smaller than the one dismantled at Dufferin and could be removed within
a day.
Photo 44 - Initial water level with beaver dam
Photo 45 - Water levels following removal of beaver dam
Before
After
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Duscio Property
A total of 1½ days were spent at this property removing
woody debris. The first task was to remove an old bridge
from the stream because it was obstructing stream flow
and was a potential source of further debris. Most of the
cedar logs used on the top of the bridge were easily
removed and piled up on shore. The remaining
structural frame was built out of some very large logs
and it required the whole crew to carry them up onto
the shore. Upstream of the bridge, a large tree had
fallen into the creek. To prevent excess widening of the
creek, the tree was cut apart using hand saws and
redistributed along the shoreline to enhance habitat.
Photo 46 - Old bridge
Photo 47 - Channel free of obstruction Photo 48 - Rangers removing bridge
Before
After
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Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Work-day Collaboration
The MNRF Stewardship Rangers consisting of a crew leader and four summer students helped the Mill
Creek Stewardship Rangers at the Lake’s Farm Property. The extra muscle helped to remove some very
large logs from the creek. The Mill Creek Rangers did a fantastic job of teaching the MNRF Rangers the
proper techniques used in stream restoration, which they had become familiar with over the summer.
The MNRF Rangers received hands-on training of debris removal and structure building. With both the
crews working incredibly hard, they were able to clear a large logjam originally not anticipated as part of
the summer’s workplan. Overall, it was a very successful day.
Photo 49 - Large in channel obstruction Photo 50 - Channel flowing freely
Photo 51 - MNRF and Mill Creek Ranger Crews working together
Before After
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4.0 Enrichment Opportunities The Rangers participated in a variety of additional educational opportunities that allowed them to gain
valuable experience and exposure in the environmental sector and to help out in the community. The
purpose of these enrichment opportunities is to provide guidance and information for their long-term
educational decisions.
Stream Side Lecture
Jack Imhof, National Biologist with
Trout Unlimited Canada volunteered
to speak with the Ranger crew about
the unique history and characteristics
of Mill Creek. The lecture took place
at the Lake’s Farm property. Jack
started off the lecture with a brief
history of the Puslinch Township’s
geology, emphasizing the unique
mixture of sands and gravels found in
the area. Rangers were then given an
introduction into the basics of fluvial
geomorphology. Topics included;
natural meander patterns, pool and
riffle sequences, stream type
classification, water’s physical
behaviour when flowing in a channel and the recognition of the stream’s thalweg. These concepts gave
the Rangers great insight and understanding into the physical processes occurring in Mill Creek. Jack
also spoke about the unique aquatic diversity found in Mill Creek and how the restoration efforts
performed by the Rangers will provide valuable habitat. Jack highlighted the fact that restoration
projects can easily be recognized as successful by the presence/absence of certain aquatic species
following restoration efforts. The lecture provided a much different perspective of Mill Creek which
informed the Rangers in making decisions about future restoration plans.
Junior Camper Day
This event is funded by the City of Cambridge and
organized by members of the GRCA and the Friends of
Mill Creek. GRCA’s Resource Interpreter Peter Pautler
along with the Rangers hosted an educational
workshop held at Shades Mills Conservation Area.
Two community groups, Fiddlesticks and Alison
Neighbourhood Associations attended the workshop
in the morning and afternoon, respectively. Peter did
an exceptional job of incorporating a wide variety of
Photo 52 - Jack Imhof explaining the value of stream restoration
Photo 53 - Ranger helping junior camper catch insects
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fun activities with added educational benefits. Two stations were set up where the campers had the
chance to interact and learn about terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The terrestrial station was
located in a wild grassland area where campers and Rangers netted terrestrial insects. Species were
then placed into containers and the Rangers assisted the campers identifying species using charts. The
aquatic station took place in a shallow rocky section of Mill Creek. Rangers assisted the campers lifting
rocks and netting aquatic insects. Most of the campers were pleasantly surprised to find so many
different kinds of insects living so close to home! Feedback from the Rangers after the event was
positive. They really enjoyed the opportunity to teach children from the local community about the
diversity of their natural surroundings.
U of G Hagen Aqua Lab Tour
Mike Davies, assistant Aqua Lab coordinator from the
University of Guelph treated the Rangers to an exciting tour of
the University's research lab facility. A variety of salt water
and fresh water species were observed, such as; rainbow
trout, skate fish, starfish and zebra fish. All of the species were
being raised for research purposes. Mike explained to the
Rangers all of the variables that are controlled on site in order
to maintain the artificial habitats. Mike gave a brief description
of the individual species’ characteristics and explained the
environmental requirements of each. Mike finally spoke about
the research sector as a whole, which allowed the Rangers to
gain insight into potential career paths and the research
opportunities that exist within a university.
Photo 56 - Rangers observing rainbow trout
Photo 55 - Dragon fly caught by campers Photo 54 - Evan and Mitch helping catch and identify insects
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Photo 58 - Sam holding a Brown trout
Photo 59 - Drew measuring the length of a Brown Trout
Electrofishing Demonstration
Towards the end of the summer, the
Rangers were able to investigate if fish were
living under the structures that they worked
so hard to build over the summer. The goal
of the electrofishing demonstration was to
sample the stream for the presence/absence
of fish species. In the morning before
heading out, Crystal Allan gave the Rangers a
brief overview of electrofishing theory and
safety procedures needed for effective and
safe sampling. Once in the stream, Adam
Riggi, Crystal Allan and Kaitlin Powers (GRCA
Ecologist) showed the Rangers how to
effectively work as a team and communicate
when sampling. The structures built by this
year’s crew yielded an impressive diversity of species. Several spectacular Brown Trout were captured
along with several other species. A full list of the species caught during the sampling is included on the
following page. Several of the Brown Trout netted during the sampling can be seen in photos 58 and
59. A photographer from the Waterloo Region Record observed the demonstration and a story was
published in the paper the following day. The full story can be viewed in appendix 2.
Photo 57 - Entire ranger crew electrofishing at Lake’s Farm Property
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List of species caught during the electrofishing at Lake’s Farm Property:
Blacknose dace (8)
Rainbow Darter (5)
White Sucker (4)
Creek Chub (2)
Brown Trout (12) ranging in size from 60mm to 270mm
Nestlé Waters Plant Tour
The Rangers were invited to the Nestlé Waters facility
located in Aberfoyle. Nestle Waters has been a large
supporter of the Ranger program. Sam Gordon toured the
Rangers through the facility and showed them the active
production lines. Rangers were shown the precast of a
water bottle and the machinery that ultimately produces the
bottle. The Rangers were quite impressed with the
operations and were glad to know that Nestle Waters has environmental standards set in place to
protect the watershed.
Dufferin Tour
Rich sand and gravel deposits in the Mill Creek
watershed attract many aggregate operations.
Dufferin Aggregates have long been a supporter of
the Mill Creek Stewardship Ranger program. Ron van
Ooteghem, site manager at the operation, gave the
Rangers a complete tour of the facility. The Rangers
were shown every step in the operations from
extraction, to transportation and the refining of
material. The Rangers were quite impressed by the
conveyor system used on site to transport material
across the facility and reduced the number of dump
trucks needed on site.
Ron also explained the complexities associated with
aggregate extraction. The site is heavily regulated and
monitored by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. In
order to keep their license, extraction activities must follow a set of strict regulations. Restoration plans
for the site were extensive and it was informative to see a commitment ensuring that hydraulic
gradients were leading back to the creek.
Photo 60 - Ron showing the rangers site operations
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CBM Aquaculture
A lot of aggregate operations in the watershed have extracted material below the water table leaving
behind large bodies of water. Stephen May, Lands Manager with CBM aggregates, provided the Rangers
with a tour of an aquaculture pilot project raising rainbow trout in the former gravel pit (photo 61). The
trout are held in isolated pens and water is pumped from the lake using high pressured air pumps. Any
waste produced by the fish is captured and pumped into a holding tank on shore. The Rangers were
impressed with the scale of the operation and thought it was a creative way to rehabilitate an old gravel
pit.
Photo 61 - View of the pens holding the rainbow trout
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5.0 Additional Activities
Donated Lunches
Several generous restaurants in the Mill Creek watershed donated complementary lunches to the
Ranger crew. The group was able to take advantage of 4 lunches at the following locations: The Danish
Place; A Change of Pace Restaurant; The Aberfoyle Mill; and The Village Family Restaurant. The Mill
Creek Stewardship Rangers would like to thank all of these delicious restaurants for keeping them well
fuelled. The crew appreciated your generous donations! It is nice to know that the community
appreciates all of their hard work.
Friends of Mill Creek BBQ
Reality set in as the Rangers attended the annual appreciation BBQ held by the Friends of Mill Creek.
The Rangers were treated to a delicious dinner provided by the Optimist Club and helped themselves to
seconds and thirds! A detailed slideshow of this summer's work and a poster board was presented to
the Rangers' families, the Friends of Mill Creek, partners and other interest groups.
The Rangers were very appreciative of all the hard work that the Friends of Mill Creek put in this year
and would like to thank them for providing an awesome summer experience.
Photo 61 - Rangers presenting their information board
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6.0 Rangers Comments “I loved being a part of the Mill Creek Ranger Crew. I got to do hands on work restoring the local
watershed and helped out in the community all while learning more about the natural watershed and
the natural world. I will never forget this amazing experience.” -Mitch Walker
“Being a Mill Creek Ranger has opened my eyes to the field of ecosystem restoration. The work was
hands on and very interesting. Rehabilitating trout habitat and the other work we did as Rangers was a
very rewarding experience.” - Sam Neumann
“Working as a Mill Creek Ranger for the GRCA has been a new and exciting job experience. It has taught
me many things about the way the creek works and about all the life that inhabits it. This job made me
feel like I was accomplishing something and that is something most jobs cannot give.” -Evan De Melo
“As a Mill Creek Ranger I was able to learn a lot about river systems and get hands on experience. It was
a great way to spend the summer.” - Drew Huggins
“It is very rewarding knowing all of our hard work is producing a healthier and more diverse
environment. I love the fact that I am surrounded by people who share the same affinity for the natural
environment. I really enjoyed learning from professionals working in the environmental sector because
it has aided me in making future career path decisions. I would like to thank the Friends of Mill Creek for
pioneering this amazing program and for working so hard to keep it going. Your work not only benefits
the environment but also helps young people shape their futures. I am very proud of the work we
accomplished this summer”. – Adam Riggi
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7.0 Recommendations
1. The electrofishing demonstration, if possible, should be performed on structures that Rangers
completed during the summer. The rangers experienced a great deal of satisfaction seeing what
species profited from their hard work.
2. The hand saws are getting dull, 3 new saws should be purchased. It is good practice to oil the
saws with wd-40 at the end of every day.
3. Battery for the camera does not hold a charge, requires replacement. Lock button fell off the
bottom of the camera therefore it is no longer waterproof.
4. A safety briefing should be performed before entering a new site. Make sure everyone on the
crew knows the address of the work site.
5. Structures 1-3 were each anchored in place using an average number of anchors (8-10 per
structure). Structures 4 and 5 were each anchored with less (4-5), asses the condition of
structures 4 and 5, it may be possible to use less anchors that are strategically placed.
6. Further restoration work at Wozniak’s Farm Property should proceed after a complete survey of
the section treated by this year’s crew is completed. Structures placed in-stream were anchored
using a new method and should be checked for movement. Also, depending on the amount of
sediment that has moved, woody debris might need to be re-placed closer to the thalweg to
provide habitat for the brook trout.
7. Contact Nestlé Waters’ Natural Resource Manager Andreanne Simard and see if the
organization would still be interested in joining a work day on the creek.
8. A full contact list of restaurants owners who have offered complementary lunches should be
provided to the crew leader during work schedule planning period, lunches should be taken
advantage of towards the end of a long work week to reward Rangers for their hard work.
9. Do not purchase waders from Canadian Tire. We purchased 3 pairs of Hodgman chest waders
from Sail for $80, if they last another season they may be the best bang for the buck. Look
elsewhere for waders that are even more durable...?
10. Introduce a biological monitoring aspect to the Rangers work plan. It would be very useful to
quantify the physical and biological differences Rangers are making each summer.
11. Try to arrange for enrichment opportunities with other private environmental consultants.
12. Contact Peter Pautler with the GRCA and speak with him about helping out the YWCA fish camp
- Rangers in the past really enjoyed this event.
13. If possible work 8 hours days, it is a more efficient use of time. It rewards the Rangers with
long weekends (only if they deserve it that is) and gives them extra time to rest their bodies
after a hard work week.
Supplies needed for next year
2-3 cans of bug spray, earth anchors (0 remaining), 2 rolls of fencing wire (1.5 roll remaining), baseball
hats, hard hats, waders, gloves, camera/ battery, patch adhesive (found at Canadian Tire in the camping
section called vinyl repair kit).
33 | P a g e
Appendix 1: 2015 Ranger Crew Calendar
July
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 29
First day, health and safety
orientation, tour of watershed
30 First aid training
and CPR
1 HOLIDAY!
2 Bond Tract and Lakes site visit
3 Jack Imhof’s
stream lecture, afternoon -
debris clearing
6 Lakes debris
removal
7 Bond Tract , T-
bars
8 Lakes, debris removal and
structure building
9 Lakes
structure building
10 Lakes wiring
13 Dufferin beaver dam removal
14 Rain day -patching waders, supplies run and slideshow
15 Shade's Mill camper day orientation
16 Kids camper day
17 OFF
20 Lakes wiring
21 Morning - Nestle waters tour, afternoon- Dufferin beaver dam
22 Lakes structure building
23 Lakes wiring
24 MNRF crew
collaboration@ Lakes debris
removal
27 Lakes structure
building
28 Lakes wiring
29 Lakes wiring
30 Beaver dam
removal @heritage lakes
31 OFF
34 | P a g e
August
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
3 Holiday
4 Wozniak's
5 Wozniak's
6 Bond tract, T-
bar removal
7 Bond tract, T-
bar, "Sunset Villa" (late
lunch)
10 U of G Aqualab,
CBM Aquaculture
11 Dufferin site
tour, Lakes w Kaitlin
12 Presentation in
the morning, Tony D. in the
afternoon
13 Tony D. full day
14 OFF
17 Electrofishing
lakes property
18 Lakes for
photos, presentation
afternoon
19 Presentation
all day
20 Presentation
all day, FOMC evening
BBQ
21 Last day, "A
Change of Pace" lunch
and tool count
35 | P a g e
Appendix 2: Media Coverage
Electrofishing in Mill Creek
Jolt-and-release
David Bebee, Record Staff Mill Creek stewardship rangers crew leader Adam Riggi, middle using a backpack electrofisher
is assisted by fellow rangers Sam Neumann, left and Evan Demelo with nets and behind, Drew
Huggins, left and Mitch Walker as they collect fish. The rangers were conducting a fisheries
assessment of Mill Creek to see how recent creek restorations improvements are working.
36 | P a g e
Measuring a brown trout
David Bebee, Record Staff Mill Creek stewardship ranger Sam Neumann, measures a brown trout. The rangers were
conducting a fisheries assessment of Mill Creek to see how recent restorations improvements are
working
Never mind messing with wiggly worms or kaleidoscopic lures.
Just drop a touch of low voltage into the drink. That really makes the fish charge to the surface.
Such is the happy — and humane — hook of jolt-and-release electrofishing.
It puts the current back into the current.
Just zap the water and wait for the fish to float up.
"That's exactly it," said Crystal Allan, the Grand River Conservation Authority's supervisor of
natural heritage, as she stood in the shallow waters of Mill Creek between Cambridge and
Guelph on Monday
"Push the 'on' button. Zaps the water. Sends out a current."
But these fish do not get fried. Nor are they destined to be pan fried.
This is no guilty Green Mile march for the guild of the gilled.
37 | P a g e
It's just a friendly fish-head count and gentle stream checkup performed by Allan and a teenage
team of Mill Creek Stewardship Rangers on a hot August Monday.
They look more like Slimer-hunting Ghostbusters than trout-stalking stream-walkers.
Everybody wears chest-high rubber waders and shoulder-high rubber gloves to protect them
from a shocking misadventure. They each have a life-jacket and visor. Polarized fish-finding
shades complete the ensemble.
One of the certified electrofishers wears the battery-carrying back pack while prodding the water
with what looks like Harry Potter's spell-casting phoenix feather.
"They have an anode which looks like a wand," Allan said.
The fish are enchanted and drawn upward as an electric circuit a metre or two wide is created in
the water.
Two netters scoop them out. Two bucket-toters bring them back to their senses.
They all get identified, measured, then plopped happily back into the clear, free waters.
The whole process takes only a few stress-free fishy moments.
About 50 fish came up on Monday. brown trout and black nose dace, carp and creek chub,
rainbow darters and white suckers.
Allan was pleased. The Rangers have worked hard to restore this creek to fish-friendly status.
One brown trout measured 270 mm.
"He was beautiful," Allan said.
And back into cold Mill Creek, he was sent.
For these fish, on this Monday, there was no place like ohm.
38 | P a g e
Wader Belts - 7
Wader Size Quantity
5 1
6 1
7 1
8 6
9 2
10 2
11 2
12 3
13 2
Tools and Equipment
Buckets - 11
Crow bar - 1
Wheel barrows – 2
Bolt cutters – 2 (one large and small)
Loppers – 4
Hammers – 3
Ball Peen Hammer – 2
File – 1
Hatchet – 3
Pick Axe – 2
Work gloves- Leather
Large/Medium (all used)
Safety glasses - 10
Safety vests – 7
Safety cones – 4
Muskol – 4
Sunscreen – 6
Hand Sanitizer – 4
Small Dry Bag – 2
First Aid Kit – 2
Bug jackets – 5
Polarized glasses – 4
Ear Plugs – lots
Red Insulated 7 L Water Cooler – 1
Green Water Cooler – 1 (missing lid)
PFD’s – 5
Waders patching materials
Wader Goop– ½
tube
Multi-bit
Appendix 3: Equipment Inventory
39 | P a g e
Earth Anchor driver – 1
Earth Anchor crimping tool - 1
Supplies
T-bars - lots
Earth Anchor 8’ tethers – 12
Crimps for 1/8” cable – lots
Fencing staples – ¼ large bucket
Paper Towel – 2 rolls
Ziploc Bags – lots
WD-40 – full can
Fluorescent Orange Spray Paint – ½ can
Friends of Mill Creek magnetic truck sign - 1
Screwdriver - 1
T-bar pounders – 4 (1 broken)
Pitch fork -2
Sledge hammers – 6
Rakes – 2
Shovels
Long – 7
Small – 3
Tiny – 2
Spades – 11
Hand Rake tool – 2
Come-along Winch - 1
Peavey Pole – 2
Hand saws
Pull saws – 9 (2 new and 7 used, one is missing screw in handle)
Long, Curved – 2 (one handle to be replaced)
Long, Straight – 3
Bow saws – 3 (one is small)
Spare saw blades
Black malleable wire – 1 roll + ~10 meters
Wire Cutter – 1
Pruners - 2
Fencing pliers – 4
Earth Anchor insertion tool – 4 (2 taller rods are new and should be used)
